MLB Player News

Pagan has a good chance to close games for the Padres this season and has been the name most often mentioned by people within the organization as a potential closer, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The Padres have several potential ninth-inning options, including Mark Melancon and Drew Pomeranz (forearm), but manager Jayce Tingler has expressed a preference for a dedicated ninth-inning arm rather than a committee. Pagan has been an elite reliever in the recent past, saving 20 games for the Rays in 2019 while backing up his 2.31 ERA with an excellent combination of a 36.0 percent strikeout rate and a 4.9 percent walk rate. His numbers fell off hard across the board last year, as he managed just a 26.4 percent strikeout rate, 10.3 percent walk rate and a 4.50 ERA, but he was pitching through pain for much of the season and eventually landed on the injured list with biceps inflammation. Healthy again this spring, Pagan appears to have a very real chance of moving to the top of the closer competition.

Howard (back) will throw a bullpen session Sunday, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Howard should start games at some point this season, but he appeared set to open in the bullpen or minors even before being scratched from his scheduled Monday appearance due to back spasms. Zach Eflin's back issue could theoretically open up a temporary role should Howard recover before Eflin does, but Eflin will also throw a bullpen session Sunday, so that seems unlikely. If Howard checks out fine following his bullpen, he should be able to return to Grapefruit League action sometime next week.

Rondon was optioned to minor-league camp Saturday.

Rondon's contract was selected in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, and he spent the first month of spring training at major-league camp. He made four relief appearances this spring and allowed five runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks while striking out four over 2.2 innings. The right-hander will likely begin the season with Triple-A Memphis but could make his major-league debut at some point in 2021.

Antone (groin) will throw a side session Saturday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Antone remains day-to-day while recovering from a right groin strain. If he doesn't experience any setbacks during his throwing session Saturday, Antone could return to Cactus League play soon and should remain on track for Opening Day. Assuming he's healthy to begin the regular season, the right-hander could be in the rotation right away considering Sonny Gray (back) doesn't expect to be ready for Opening Day.

Alvarado has pitched himself into the closer mix for the Phillies this spring, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Alvarado's services were understandably cheap for the Phillies to acquire this winter following a pair of seasons in which he struggled to a 5.08 ERA while battling injuries. Conditioning had become a significant problem for the lefty, but he's dropped nearly 50 pounds and now looks as electric as ever. He struck out the side Saturday against the Blue Jays, throwing nine of his 16 pitches 99 mph or faster. He has 15 saves on his resume already and seemingly has a legitimate chance to beat out Hector Neris and Archie Bradley for the role this season, though it's still too early to call him the favorite.

Sims (elbow) will pitch in an intrasquad game Saturday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sims remains confident that he'll be ready to pitch by Opening Day, and he'll take another step in his recovery process Saturday. If he feels good after pitching in the intrasquad matchup, he could make his Cactus League debut at some point next week. If Sims is healthy for Opening Day, he should serve as a high-leverage reliever for the Reds.

Lambert (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Lambert's placement on the 60-day injured list is simply procedural, as the right-hander is expected to miss most of the 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July 2020. However, Lambert remains on track in his rehab process and could return to game action late in the 2021 campaign.

Kinley has been diagnosed with left oblique soreness, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Manager Bud Black revealed Saturday that Kinley has been dealing with a side issue, and he's now been officially diagnosed with an oblique injury. The right-hander threw a side session Friday and is slated to throw in a simulated game Sunday. Whether Kinley's injury affects his status for Opening Day remains to be seen.

Rockies manager Bud Black revealed Saturday that Kinley has been dealing with a side issue recently, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Kinley hasn't pitched in a Cactus League since March 7, but he threw a side session Friday and is scheduled to throw a simulated game Sunday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports. It's not yet clear whether he'll be healthy in time for the start of the regular season. Once Kinley is fully healthy, he should serve as a late reliever for the Rockies although he should be considered unlikely to be in the mix for save chances.

Estevez allowed one run on one hit and no walks while striking out one over one inning in Friday's spring win over Cleveland.

Estevez came on during the ninth inning of Friday's Cactus League matchup and gave up a home run to lead off the inning, but he retired the next two batters before striking out Beau Taylor to end the game. The right-hander has made six relief appearances this spring and has allowed 10 runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out five over six innings.